The sitar has been popular since the 1960s. Since that time it has always had a considerable mystique among musicians. It also has an undeserved reputation for being difficult to play. This book/online audio set cuts though the mystique and misapprehensions and presents the material in a simple fashion that is easily understood both by Indians and non-Indian musicians alike.Learning the Sitar begins with basic background information, including a discussion of Indian music, the history of the instrum...read more >

The sitar has been popular since the 1960s. Since that time it has always had a considerable mystique among musicians. It also has an undeserved reputation for being difficult to play. This book/audio set cuts though the mystique and misapprehensions and presents the material in a simple fashion that is easily understood both by Indians and non-Indian musicians alike.Learning the Sitar begins with basic background information, including a discussion of Indian music, the history of the instrument, th...read more >

Joel Pena, a professional musician with many years of experience, has created the definitive method book for those interested in taking up the unique instrument known as the Cuban tres or three-course guitar. This bilingual book/audio method addresses everything from appropriate string gauges to creating authentic Latin tumbaos or groove patterns. Beginners and experienced players alike will appreciate the book's logic as each section features diagrams and exercises in standard notation to help the student ...read more >

This is the first Charango method to use conventional musical notation, and the only bilingual (Spanish and English) text of its kind. These characteristics make the method attractive to musicians with a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, interests and skill levels.The method is comprised of two parts: A first section regarding strumming techniques and a second section regarding melodic plucking techniques. The first section provides a clear and precise method for learning the "rasgueo" "repique"...read more >

This is the first Charango method to use conventional musical notation, and the only bilingual (Spanish and English) text of its kind. These characteristics make the method attractive to musicians with a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, interests and skill levels.The method is comprised of two parts: A first section regarding strumming techniques and a second section regarding melodic plucking techniques. The first section provides a clear and precise method for learning the "rasgueo" "repique"...read more >

Joel Pena, a professional musician with many years of experience, has created the definitive method book for those interested in taking up the unique instrument known as the Cuban tres or three-course guitar. This bilingual book/audio method addresses everything from appropriate string gauges to creating authentic Latin tumbaos or groove patterns. Beginners and experienced players alike will appreciate the book's logic as each section features diagrams and exercises in standard notation to help the student ...read more >

A comprehensive exploration of revolutionary Chapman Stick and it's accompanying tap techniques. A primer on theory will explain all the musical logistics enabling the student to fully gasp the concepts in this book. Mr. Chapman's unique approach to his 12 string invention will be explained by Steve Adelson in respect to chords, melody, improvisations, rhythmic capabilities, counterpoint and bass lines. Novel and standard techniques enabling the player maximum creativity will be outlined in detail with many...read more >

A comprehensive exploration of revolutionary Chapman Stick and it's accompanying tap techniques. A primer on theory will explain all the musical logistics enabling the student to fully gasp the concepts in this book. Mr. Chapman's unique approach to his 12 string invention will be explained by Steve Adelson in respect to chords, melody, improvisations, rhythmic capabilities, counterpoint and bass lines. Novel and standard techniques enabling the player maximum creativity will be outlined in detail with many...read more >

An in-depth instruction manual for the Arabic oud, the ancestor of the lute and guitar. Contents include: Holding the oud, Plucking the Strings, Basic Plucking Rules in Arabic Tradition, Positions of Left Hand Fingers, Basic Notes on the oud, Advanced Left-Hand Techniques, Maqamat, and much more. Over 40 tunes are included in the book. Standard notation only. Includes access to online video showing key points to playing the oud.read more >

An in-depth instruction manual for the Arabic oud, the ancestor of the lute and guitar. A companion instructional online video is included showing key points to playing the Oud.. Contents include: Holding the oud, Plucking the Strings, Basic Plucking Rules in Arabic Tradition, Positions of Left Hand Fingers, Basic Notes on the oud, Advanced Left-Hand Techniques, Maqamat, and much more. Over 40 tunes are included in the book. Standard notation only. read more >

This method and its accompanying recording are for the beginning and intermediate oud student interested in gaining a stronger understanding of makam theory and practice on the oud, while also providing advice and exercises useful for improving overall playing technique. Three beautiful and commonly heard makams are presented, specifically Rast, Mahur and Nikriz. The unique characteristics of each of these makams are described and illustrated in detail through exercises, etudes and traditional repertoire, u...read more >

This method and its accompanying recording are for the beginning and intermediate oud student interested in gaining a stronger understanding of makam theory and practice on the oud, while also providing advice and exercises useful for improving overall playing technique. Three beautiful and commonly heard makams are presented, specifically Rast, Mahur and Nikriz. The unique characteristics of each of these makams are described and illustrated in detail through exercises, etudes and traditional repertoire, u...read more >

The balalaika is most often associated with Russian folklore. In this comprehensive method book, concert and recording artist Bibs Ekkel shares his extensive knowledge of the balalaika as taught in Russia today. This 160-page book is divided into four sections: an extensive Foreword, the Tutor, A Brief History of the Balalaika, and a Repertoire Section. Unlike many Mel Bay books, the Complete Balalaika Book does not begin with the rudiments of music notation. Rather, the 20-page Foreword offer insights on ...read more >

Scholarly editions, which serve different purposes than performance editions, are not often designed with the modern guitarist in mind. For instance, Renaissance vihuela tablatures are usually transcribed with the open first string as G, not E. Most are presented in double-staff notation, a medium that is superior for realizing counterpoint but unconventional as guitar notation. Furthermore, these editions sometimes give idealized, but not realistic, solutions for voicing, note duration, and other matters t...read more >

World-renowned tresero (tres player) Nelson Gonzalez explains tuning and playing of the Cuban tres guitar, offering tips for beginning to advanced players. As the instrument's name implies, the tres has three courses of double or triple strings and is used both as a lead and an accompaniment instrument. The author thoughtfully includes instructions for converting a normal 6-string guitar to a tres guitar, offering suggestions for appropriate string gauges.This may be the first book of its kind published out...read more >

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